Advice for Those Who Provide Care for People with Cancer

With You All the Way: Lessons from a Cancer Caregiver

In this video, Kimberly Smith shares lessons she learned while caring for her mother, who had breast cancer.

If you are caring for a person with cancer, you are a very important part of the cancer patient’s care team. Your role may change over the course of treatment. For example, you may provide mainly emotional support at the time of diagnosis, and take on daily tasks later on. You may help your loved one with household chores, personal hygiene, going to the doctor, and even paying bills.

While you’re caring for your loved one with cancer, don’t neglect to take care of yourself as well. Caring for someone with cancer can be very stressful. We offer helpful tips for caring for cancer patients and yourself, as well as links to more detailed information and resources.

Photo of a woman sleeping

See some tips for important things you can do to take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Photo of a man and a woman walking outside

You can help your loved one stay healthy during and after treatment in a variety of ways. Learn about some of the most important things you can do.

Photo of a senior woman being comforted during a support group session

Cancer patients often feel anxious, angry, or depressed, and cancer treatments can make it hard for them to concentrate or remember things. Learn how you can help.